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How to Get on Shark Tank and Launch Your Business from Idea to Reality
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Since 2009, American television audiences have watched ambitious entrepreneurs take a lonely stage in front of a panel of wealthy would-be investor âsharksâ to pitch their business idea in hopes of an investment deal.
Wildly successful pitches have helped launch some small businesses into international sales generators, like Scrub Daddyâmaker of smiley-faced kitchen sponges.
The hit ABC show Shark Tank offers these ambitious small-business owners a chance at their dreams of success. Each episode features several pitches, chosen from among thousands of applicants. But only a few conclude with a shark taking the biteâand a significant portion of deals actually fall through after the show airs.
So is the whole process worth it? We talked to several Shark Tank alum, and the resounding answer is yes.
If youâre an aspiring entrepreneur with your own big idea, weâve got the lowdown on what it takes to get on Shark Tank and how to make your pitch a success. The good news? Even if you donât make it on the showâor you do but donât get a dealâthe experience can boost your brand and your sales revenue.
Tips for getting on Shark Tank
Thereâs no magic bullet for clinching a successful Shark Tank effort. But our research and conversations with folks whoâve experienced the show uncovered a few steps that could improve your chances.
5 steps to get on Shark Tank

1: Develop the right business idea
Easier said than done, right? Well, if youâre considering applying for Shark Tank, you already have a brilliant idea you think customers would want. The trick is convincing the showâs producers that itâs brilliant too.
Fortunately, the show has featured pitches from a wide range of products and services. From odor-reducing sticks for kidsâ athletic gloves to an online ice cream gift delivery service, Shark Tank chooses entrepreneurs with diverse backgrounds and ideas to have their shot at making a deal.

To improve your odds with producers, make sure you have the credibility and business history to back up any claims you make. And show your receipts. As much as possible, secure patents, set up a website, shoot photography, collect customer testimonials and insights, conduct market research, and document any sale or presale information that you canâbefore submitting an application.
Once you submit your applicationâwhether by email or at an in-person open castingâprepare to answer multiple questions from producers about your business plan and product or service.

2: Create an engaging video
At some point during the application process, youâll need to submit a video, usually 10 minutes long, featuring you and your business idea. The video is crucial to the process because itâs the first chance (unless you attend an open casting) that show producers have to see your personality, energy, passion, and style.
You donât have to produce an Oscar-worthy piece of film. But the video should be engaging and TV-worthy. Be yourself and show your personality. Talk about the âbig storyâ and the reasons why you created your business idea in the first place.
Use your video to say precisely what you want. What do you need that you could only accomplish with investment from the sharks? Would help with branding and marketing launch your business to the next level? What do you expect your company to do with investment dollars? Donât be afraid to talk about the weak spots in your businessâthatâs why youâre asking for help!
Also, find the drama. Talk about what going on the show and making a deal with a shark would mean to you, not just your business. Share your entrepreneurial dreams. You donât need to be overly sentimental, but do make it personal.
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3: Be patient and stick with the process
The Shark Tank application process can be a long one. The alums we spoke to often went through several rounds of interviews, paperwork, and videos. Some entrepreneurs waited months before they got the call to hop on a plane and take the plunge into the tank.

Staying committed to the audition process is essential. Even if producers ask you the same questions or you complete the same forms over and over, the producers will notice and appreciate those who stick with the process. You want to stay on their minds and in their inboxes because you never know when you might get your chance.
4. Once youâre chosen: Practice for your big moment
A Shark Tank producer has just called: youâre in! Now what?
After screaming at the top of your lungs in excitement, itâs time to get to work on your final pitch.
Weâre not sure what the average wait time is between getting accepted for the show and filming your pitch, but it could be up to two weeks. Despite what we imagine is an excruciating waiting period, donât tell anyone.
Shark Tank requires participants to sign a nondisclosure agreement, which means you canât say much, except to the producers, until your show airs. The good news is that you can use the silent time to prepare for your big moment.

Prepare your products, pitch props, marketing materials, and financial documents. Then practice, practice, practice. Make sure you know your stuff, from your personal story to your financial forecasts. Practice recalling the facts while staying comfortable and natural. Film yourself and watch for potential pitfalls.

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5. Nail your pitch
If youâve watched any episode of Shark Tank, youâve probably guessed what anyone whoâs appeared on the show could likely tell you: the experience is emotional, exhilarating, and nerve-wracking.
But donât worry too much. You know your business, youâve done your homework, and youâre ready to make a deal.

Just like with your application video, make sure you show your passion and your personality. The sharks want to make a good deal, itâs true, but they also want to make good TV. Remember to find the drama in your story and connect it to your business goals.
What to avoid in your Shark Tank pitch
Set your boundaries but prepare for flexibility. You should have a specific investment structure in mind, but donât shoot down an offer just because it isnât exactly the number or investor you imagined.
Donât get too lost in the numbers. Focus on the big pictureâwhat your idea means for you, your business, and the worldâand imagine future success.
Also, donât get intimidated or starstruck. The sharks are famous and influential business people, but theyâre also humans just like you. Try to relate to them as you would any other potential business partner.
What if you donât make a deal?
Even if you follow every word of advice and have the perfect product, you may not strike a Shark Tank deal.
The showâs producers and investors have their own agendas and budgets in mind. And you may just be unlucky.
However, not landing a deal on the show doesnât mean your business idea is doomed. Plenty of Shark Tank âlosersâ have blossomed into wildly successful businesses. The experience, exposure, and practice pitching to investors can boost your entrepreneurial spiritâand market share.

Plus, even if the sharks pass on your idea, thereâs a chance youâll end up with a deal of your own from an investor who liked your Shark Tank pitch.
Ultimately, if youâve developed a great business idea, itâs worth giving Shark Tank a shot.
How to finance your business without Shark Tank
Of course, going on national television isnât the only way to fund your small-business dreams. From microloans to crowdfunding, you have plenty of choices for securing capital to fuel your company.
We recommend Lendio, an easy-to-use platform that can match your small business to lenders offering loans with affordable rates.
You should also check out our picks for the best small business loans. And if youâre just starting out, learn what it takes to start a small business.
Whether your business jumps into the Shark Tank or not, you can find the help you need to succeed.
Disclaimer
At Business.org, our research is meant to offer general product and service recommendations. We don't guarantee that our suggestions will work best for each individual or business, so consider your unique needs when choosing products and services.
Quotations from third-party sources have been edited and condensed for clarity.



